Liadh for President
Liadh for President

Frightening child poverty rate the result of broken politics and bad policies – Liadh Ní Riada MEP

Commenting on the publication of Social Justice Ireland’s annual poverty focus report, Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada MEP said; “the frightening rate of child poverty highlighted in this report is the result of broken politics and bad policies.”

Ms Ní Riada made the comments as figures from Social Justice Ireland show that 230,000 children are now living in households below the poverty line.

The Ireland South MEP said;

“The government is keen to point out economic growth but what is very clear is that a frightening number of children are being left behind.

“The cost of living crisis, including record rents coupled with low wages and precarious work means that many families are struggling to keep the wolf from the door.

“The government’s approach is not working. Budgets which deliver tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the better off and a failure to properly invest in public services and social protections have created poverty traps.

“Social Justice Ireland are correct to point out that children cannot be lifted out of poverty unless their families are lifted out of poverty.

“It is a damning indictment of successive governments that employment no longer provides a safeguard against poverty. Access to decent jobs, quality services and strong supports must be top of the list in tackling child poverty.

“The promise to cherish all of the children equally and addressing child poverty requires the implementation of fair and progressive policies. Sinn Féin will endeavour to work constructively with others to bring this about.”

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